A recent internal investigation within the Knoxville Police Department has brought to light a complex web of relationships and misconduct, including a love triangle among officers and inappropriate communications involving the police chief.
The inquiry initially focused on a love triangle involving Officer Jasmine Reed, Lieutenant Keith DeBow, and Captain Tammy DeBow, who is Lt. DeBow's wife. However, the investigation expanded significantly when it uncovered years of flirtatious text messages between Officer Reed and Police Chief Paul Noel.
Chief Faces Scrutiny Over Text Messages
Reports from WBIR's Katie Inman indicate that Officer Reed and Chief Noel exchanged messages deemed inappropriate. These communications reportedly included the chief suggesting an out-of-town trip together. Additionally, some texts allegedly referenced the chief wearing a wedding ring but noting that he 'plays and is careful.'
Chief Noel was recently suspended for one month and is currently under investigation regarding these messages. While the text exchanges spanned several years, WVLT reported that the investigation did not uncover evidence of a physical relationship between Chief Noel and Officer Reed.
Details of On-Duty Affair Emerge
The internal investigation into Officer Reed's conduct also confirmed an affair with the married Lieutenant Keith DeBow. This relationship reportedly involved sexual encounters while both officers were on duty, according to WVLT.
Following the discovery of the affair, Captain Tammy DeBow, who is Lt. DeBow's wife and also works for the department, was suspended. Her suspension stemmed from sending text messages to Officer Reed after learning about the affair.
Lieutenant Keith DeBow retired from the department before the internal complaint was formally filed, thus he was not subject to the investigation. The inquiry concluded that while workplace violations occurred, no criminal wrongdoing was committed by any of the involved parties.
Officer Reed reportedly admitted to investigators that she and Lt. DeBow engaged in sexual activity multiple times during work hours in a relief trailer. She also stated they would meet in a storage room for
